... as decoration
Thanks to the versatile processing possibilities of metal, decorative objects can be shaped into any conceivable form. Depending on the metal in question, it can also be used in conjunction with food. Because metals are very resistant materials, metal decorations are also popular in the garden.
... in history
Metal first became of interest to mankind towards the end of the Neolithic period. Although there are pieces of jewelry made of gold that are around 80,000 years old, no tools could be developed from gold as it would be far too soft. Copper was later used for this purpose. It is not possible to say exactly when the so-called Copper Age began, but it is possible to say where. The oldest finds can be dated to southern Europe and the Near East, around 7000 BC. The first copper mines to be used were established 4000 BC. Before that, copper was only extracted from the surface.
The following era is known as the Bronze Age. It extends from around 2200 to 800 B.C. During this period, the majority of all tools were made of bronze. As only a few metals were available, bronze was only made from copper and tin. The advantage of this alloy is the massive increase in hardness compared to simple copper. The Iron Age would become the most important period. It extends from around 800 BC to 500 AD. Iron was also smelted quickly and could therefore be processed further. As in previous eras, the metal was mainly used to make tools and weapons.
The following era is known as the Bronze Age. It extends from around 2200 to 800 B.C. During this period, the majority of all tools were made of bronze. As only a few metals were available, bronze was only made from copper and tin. The advantage of this alloy is the massive increase in hardness compared to simple copper. The Iron Age would become the most important period. It extends from around 800 BC to 500 AD. Iron was also smelted quickly and could therefore be processed further. As in previous eras, the metal was mainly used to make tools and weapons.
... in production
Metal itself cannot be produced, but it can be extracted. In most cases, this is done by digging up ore. But this is only the first step. In the case of ores, the metal must be extracted. This is done by reduction. This involves binding substances from the ore and thus removing them in order to further extract the metal.
It can then be further processed. Further processing varies greatly depending on the metal. Iron, for example, has to be processed and treated differently to gold or uranium. The subsequent area of application is also of great importance.
Metals are also frequently used for further processing for alloys, as these offer many advantages over pure metal. Steel is also an alloy. The addition of carbon increases the tensile strength and hardness of iron many times over. Many other conditions can be triggered by further additions. One possibility is the addition of chromium to make the steel corrosion-resistant.
It can then be further processed. Further processing varies greatly depending on the metal. Iron, for example, has to be processed and treated differently to gold or uranium. The subsequent area of application is also of great importance.
Metals are also frequently used for further processing for alloys, as these offer many advantages over pure metal. Steel is also an alloy. The addition of carbon increases the tensile strength and hardness of iron many times over. Many other conditions can be triggered by further additions. One possibility is the addition of chromium to make the steel corrosion-resistant.
... in the application
Metals are among the most important materials in our world. They are absolutely indispensable, especially for the distribution of electricity. Different metals also have different properties. Copper, for example, is a very good conductor of electricity. But tungsten, for example, is very heat-resistant and can therefore be used in areas where other metals would melt, such as in light bulbs.
Other metals are also incredibly important today. Iron, for example, is used for the production of steel, the most important construction element for vehicles, buildings and many other objects.
Precious metals are very popular as jewelry materials, so silver, gold and titanium are often used for necklaces. Precious metals are also often used for decorations. However, the material properties of vases are very important. Plain steel, for example, cannot be used to make vases as the water would corrode the material. In this case, corrosion-resistant metals are used. These metals are also used in medicine to prevent broken areas in bone prostheses, for example.
Silver-colored metal is often used for decorative purposes, and sometimes other colors are used by painting or spraying metal bodies. However, these colors are not as durable as the metal's own color. In the case of decoration, natural rust can also be used as an effect.
Other metals are also incredibly important today. Iron, for example, is used for the production of steel, the most important construction element for vehicles, buildings and many other objects.
Precious metals are very popular as jewelry materials, so silver, gold and titanium are often used for necklaces. Precious metals are also often used for decorations. However, the material properties of vases are very important. Plain steel, for example, cannot be used to make vases as the water would corrode the material. In this case, corrosion-resistant metals are used. These metals are also used in medicine to prevent broken areas in bone prostheses, for example.
Silver-colored metal is often used for decorative purposes, and sometimes other colors are used by painting or spraying metal bodies. However, these colors are not as durable as the metal's own color. In the case of decoration, natural rust can also be used as an effect.